BSc (Hons) Computer Science

Do you want to understand how a computer really works? You'll gain technical skills in computational theory, software development on a variety of devices and platforms, database development, computer hardware and networking. In addition to the technical content, you'll acquire an awareness of social, legal and ethical aspects of the IT industry, ensuring that you are primed for the workplace.

UCAS tariff

300

UCAS course code

G407

Institution code

P60

Duration

3 years

(+ optional placement)

Course type

Full-time

Location

Plymouth

Key features

Distinguish yourself with a degree that’s accredited by and entitles membership of the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT (MBCS) and won a 2013 Guardian University Award for Teaching Excellence. You may also gain registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and will partially meet the educational requirements for Chartered Engineering (CEng) registration.

Be inspired by the creativity that our practical, hands-on course nurtures. Our ‘learning through doing’ ethos means you’ll quickly achieve – several of our second year students are already publishing mobile apps for both the Apple and Android markets, including a paid app featured in the Guardian newspaper.

Learn from dedicated teaching staff, who are engaged in internationally significant research, are actively creating and developing applications, and have a wealth of industry contacts.

Lay strong foundations for a successful career, using our extensive industry links to secure a one-year work placement – giving you the vital industry experience and connections you’ll need when you graduate.

Receive an iPad mini and over £300 worth of free electronic textbooks, so you can join our interactive sessions and access a host of additional resource material.

Discover the many collaboration opportunities, which mirror the teamwork at the heart of the industry. In the second year, you’ll work in a team of developers on our integrating project, to create a complete system from concept to delivery – honing your professional and communication skills.

Immerse yourself in the very latest technology and software – from Java to Microsoft to Apple – in our specialist laboratories, which we regularly update and refurbish. As a member of the Oracle Academy, you’ll also enjoy access to the most current Oracle software.

Benefit from our focused and relevant research, we work closely with our Centre for Security, Communications and Network Research which pushes the frontiers of computer science and means we’re continually updating our curriculum. The latest Research Assessment Exercise judged 100% of our research to be of international repute, with 25% of that recognised as ‘world-leading value’.

Ensure you have the business, communication and personal skills employers are looking for, with our teaching programme that reflects the strong entrepreneurial spirit driving the computer industry.

Choose the subjects that interest you the most and are best suited to your career goals – whether it’s artificial intelligence or quantum computing. Our extensive range of modules currently includes computer security, software engineering for games development, graphics and mobile and humanoid robots.

Course details

Year 1

In your first year, you’ll engage with the foundations of computer science from programming to algorithms and mathematics. We’ve structured the curriculum to accurately reflect the industry and its many areas of specialisation. You’ll study programming techniques, database development, how to capture requirements and what happens inside a computing operating system. A hands-on course from the outset, you’ll benefit from a number of practical workshops as well as preparing for your third year work placement.

Core modules

SOFT153 Algorithms, Data Structures and Mathematics

Data structures and algorithms lie at the heart of Computer Science as they are the basis for the efficient solution of programming tasks. In this module, students will study core algorithms and data structures, as well as being given an introduction to algorithm analysis and basic Mathematics for Computer Science.

SOFT155 Computer Science Immersive Introduction

This module provides an intensive introduction to the concepts, modes of study technical content that students studying BSc (Hons) Computer Science will need for the remainder of their Stage 1 studies. And last, but not least, this module aims to get students enthused about their chosen course.

ISAD151 Databases: Analysis, Design and Development

An introduction to the analysis, design and implementation of a Database System. Design concepts and procedures are covered in detail in order to develop real and useful design skills. The module will explore principles of Business Rules, specifying Requirements, Data Modelling, Relational Modelling and SQL.

NET103 Principles of Infrastructure

This module is intended to provide a basic understanding of the operation of the hardware components of computer systems and networks (including how data is represented), enabling students to evaluate hardware and perform dimensioning estimations. The role of a typical multi-tasking operating system is also covered, relating it to the facilities required by users, administrators and programmers.

SOFT152 Software Engineering

Provides an intensive introduction to Software Engineering for those studying Computer Science or related courses where programming is a core and necessary component. The module includes coverage of problem solving involving abstraction and problem decomposition. At the outset implementation uses an imperative / structured programming approach, before moving onto Object Oriented and Event-driven methodologies.

BPIE100 Stage 1 Placement Preparation

Focusing on assisting you in your search for a placement, this module will also help prepare you for the placement itself.

Optional modules

SOFT156PP Developing E-commerce Applications

This module introduces students to the range of issues surrounding the rapid development of an e-commerce application through the use of appropriate frameworks.

ELEC137PP Electronic Design and Build

This module will introduce the students to practical skills needed to design and build an electronic system. A number of hands-on tutorials on specific topics will provide the necessary knowledge. Most of the module will be organized around practical design-and-build exercises combining analogue, digital and software.

AINT153PP Intelligent Systems

Topics covered within this module are selected to be inspirational demonstrators that showcase research topics in the field of Intelligent Systems and provide `hands-on¿ involvement in a lecture/practical setting. This module is suitable both for students form technical degrees (e.g. computer science, robotics, mathematics) and for students from psychology, business and social sciences.

ISAD153PP Systems Analysis and Design

Provides an introduction to Systems Analysis and Design principles and practice. It is suitable for non-Computing students as well as students taking named Computing awards.

MATH1607PP The Quantum Universe

This course is for non-science specialists who have an interest in understanding our Universe. We will investigate our evolving view of the Universe from ancient times to the recent exciting discoveries such as dark matter and energy. The module will also highlight the phenomena of the Quantum World and will develop a basic understanding of quantum effects and their applications.

Year 2

In the second year, you’ll build on the knowledge you’ve already acquired, engaging with new subjects that will help you identify possible career paths. We’ll continue to focus on your employability, introducing you to the wider issues faced by IT professionals and the legislation and ethics that guide the industry. An integrating project combines all the skills you have learnt so far, and allows you to undergo a full software lifecycle, starting with a concept and ending with a product.

Core modules

AINT252 Computation Theory and Artificial Intelligence

This module provides students with an overview of a range of different paradigms for computing and computing theory and an introduction to theoretical principles and methods in artificial intelligence.

PRCS251 Computer Science Integrating Project

This project provides an opportunity for students to draw together many of the threads of the Computing programme in preparation for their industrial placement and final year. Students work in teams to manage and complete a substantial project for a given scenario.

ISAD251 Database Applications Development

To introduce students to the concepts and issues concerning server-side applications interfacing multi-user, networked, relational databases and to providing a solid foundation in SQL.

SOFT253 Embedded Programming, Compilers, Languages and Grammars

This module aims to lift the lid of a computer and show how computers really work. A simple embedded microcontroller is used because such devices are simple enough to really understand how they work. The process of how source code is converted into executable machine code (compilers), and the structure of language and grammar is examined.

SOFT252 Object-oriented Software Engineering with Design Patterns

This module aims to develop object-oriented software engineering principles and practices in including encapsulation, abstraction, aggregation and inheritance. It will introduce issues such as progression from analysis to design, implementation, testing and documentation and it includes the use of design patterns (proven solutions to common problems) and software quality principles for enhanced software development.

BPIE200 Stage 2 Placement Preparation

Building on the year one module (BPIE100), this module continues supporting you with your search for a placement and your preparation for the placement itself.

ISAD252 User-centred Interface Design

This module aims to introduce students to the HCI principles, UML techniques and ethical issues required for the design and evaluation of user-centred interfaces.

Optional placement year

This year you’ll do your industry placement – which you’ve been preparing for over the past two years – aided by our network of industry contacts. This extensive training period allows you to learn within a professional context, giving you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in the real world, as well as learning from those around you. Over 48 weeks you’ll gain experience and confidence, as well as a host of contacts – all essential in readying you for employment on graduation.

Core modules

BPIE330 Computing Related Placement (Generic)

A 48-week period of professional training spent as the third year of a sandwich course, undertaking an approved placement with a suitable company. This provides an opportunity for you to gain relevant industrial experience to consolidate the first two years of study and to prepare for the final year and employment after graduation. Please note this placement is optional but strongly recommended.

Final year

You’ll now be ready to demonstrate all that you’ve learned over the past three years by undertaking a substantial problem-solving individual project focused on a specific area of personal interest, or one that relates to your intended career. You’ll spend the rest of your time studying your optional modules, including machine learning and artificial intelligence, programming for games development, high performance computing, and how to process big data.

Core modules

PRCO304 Computing Project

The Computing Project gives an opportunity to tackle a major computing related problem in an approved topic area relevant to the programme of study.

Optional modules

ISAD353 Advanced Databases and Data Management

SHORT MODULE DESCRIPTOR
This module considers the challenges of and solutions for managing, processing, analysing and interpreting large amounts of unstructured data within relational and non-relational database environments.

AINT353 Brain-inspired Cognitive Systems

The module develops an understanding at a systems level of how the brain performs the functions of vision, hearing and movement control, and how novel artificial cognitive systems might use brain-inspired sensory and motor mechanisms to achieve human-like levels of performance.

AINT352 Computational Intelligence

Computational intelligence is the approach within artificial intelligence that covers nature-inspired computational methodologies such as evolutionary computation, neural computation and fuzzy logic. This module provides an in-depth introduction and discussion of the main theoretical and methodological approaches to computational intelligence with practical lab sessions.

NET302 Distributed Systems

Distributed systems represent the type of networked computer applications that modern users rely on daily. They are characterised by running on multiple heterogeneous devices subject to failure, yet performing speedily and robustly and scaling to substantial size.

AINT355 Industry Engagement

The module provides a contextual framework for developers seeking to release games, APPs, software products or compete in national events. Topics include creating and protecting intellectual property, product placement, revenue models and licensing, investment, social enterprise, and due diligence. The module includes industry case studies, a guest speaker program and opportunities for individual mentoring.

AINT351 Machine Learning

This module introduces machine learning, covering unsupervised, supervised and reinforcement learning from Bayesian, Information Theoretic and decision making perspectives. This includes theory behind a range of learning techniques and how to apply these to build representations of data in systems that make decisions and predictions.

AINT308 Machine Vision and Behavioural Computing

Providing an advanced knowledge of artificial vision systems for interactive systems guidance and control, this module is underpinned by current theoretical understanding of animal vision systems.

SOFT354 Parallel Computation and Distributed Systems

This module aims to develop object-oriented software engineering principles and practices in including encapsulation, abstraction, aggregation and inheritance. It will introduce issues such as progression from analysis to design, implementation, testing and documentation and it includes the use of design patterns (proven solutions to common problems) and software quality principles for enhanced software development.

SOFT351 Programming for Entertainment Systems

This module introduces the concepts and programming techniques for high performance real-time graphics using an graphical API such as DirectX or OpenGL. The module has a very bottom-up view of graphical programming; it is not about the use of game engines and high-level prototyping tools. Students also learn many highly transferrable software engineering skills, e.g. programming in an un-managed environment.

ISAD351 Software Project Management

To enable students to acquire a critical understanding of the management and methodological issues associated with software development.

PRCO305 Work-based Learning

With a view to improving student employability, this module provides the opportunity for students to apply their knowledge to a real world IT problem within an existing IT company or client organisation.

PRCO307 Work-based Learning in Computing Education

This module is primarily aimed at students who would like to embark on a teaching career in Computing. The key aim of this module is to allow students from Computing degree programmes to acquire relevant experience in teaching within the computing subject area by working as `student-tutors¿ with qualified teachers in selected suitable schools or educational establishments.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Entry requirements

300 points including two A levels. Remaining points can be made up
as you wish. One technical subject preferred. All subjects except
general studies and Key Skills considered.

All
Access courses: Pass a named Access to HE Diploma -
computing/IT/science/humanities/engineering, at least 33 credits at
merit and/or distinction to include 12 credits at level 3 in maths with
merit.

Other qualifications will be considered individually; please contact us for information.

GCSE: English language grade C, mathematics grade B. If you have a grade C in mathematics please contact us.